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February 23, 2023


Title: How Can we Combat Depression in Children and Teens?
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Jennifer Bauwens
with Family Research Council (www.FRC.org)

Recently, the New York Times reported on new data from the CDC regarding the increase in depression among teenagers in the US.

Dr. Jennifer Bauwens serves as Director of the Center for Family Studies at the Family Research Council. Today, Dr. Bauwens discusses those findings and offers suggestions on how to combat this growing concern.

Click here to read the article that prompted this interview by Washington Stand contributor, Dan Hart.

Click here for the latest from the Washington Stand, a publication of the Family Research Council.

Click here for more from Dr. Jennifer Bauwens.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Did the lockdowns during the pandemic contribute to increased sadness and depression in children and teens?

Does the use of smartphones and social media apps contribute to the poor mental state of children and teens?

Does sexual abuse and violence contribute to thoughts of suicide? Dr. Bauwens discusses this and other factors that contribute to suicide and suicidal thoughts. She goes on to explain the negative effects of banning counseling for gender confused children and teens.

Do we expect too much of children and teens from an early age?

Is public education, in addition to social media, television, and movies, pushing kids and teens into a LGBTQ lifestyle? Are many receiving mixed signals from those avenues as compared to their parents/church? Dr. Bauwens believes that too many children and teens don’t have a sense of right or wrong, but she does offer some hope and encouragement as we move forward.

Do children and teens search for an adult to connect with?

Why should the clinical world begin to examine the underlying causes of depression and suicidal tendencies in both girls and boys? Dr. Bauwens encourages us to pray for children and teens (and adults, too, of course) who are gender confused because they are much more likely to be depressed or attempt suicide.



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April 21, 2022


Title: COVID Pandemic: Where Are We?
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)

Disclaimer: Use caution when listening to this segment around young children. Issues discussed may be upsetting or hard for little ones to understand.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, especially our children. Parents and grandparents don’t often know how to broach the subject of suicide or even depression.

Dr. Joannie DeBrito is a licensed clinical social worker and counselor with Alive to Thrive, a division of Focus on the Family. Today, Dr. DeBrito offers insight, hope, and encouragement.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Are we still in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Dr. DeBrito explains that there has actually been an increase in depression and suicide among teens and even children over the past decade. She says: “COVID just exacerbated the problems that were already there.”

The almost total isolation from the lockdown is only one factor that has contributed to the increase in depression What are some of the other causes of sadness, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts due to the lockdown?

Did verbal and physical abuse in the home magically disappear during the lockdown?

How can parents and grandparents help, intervene, and encourage our children and grandchildren? Dr. DeBrito discusses some of the signs to look for that will suggest a child or teen is depressed or having suicidal thoughts. She also offers some great suggestions to help them be more engaged and involved with others.

If you or a loved one struggles with depression or suicidal thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out to Alive to Thrive with Focus on the Family. Call them for FREE at 1-855.771.HELP (4357), text TALK to 741741, or click here.



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May 6, 2021


Title: Reignite: A Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Jack Graham
with Dr. Jack Graham (www.jackgraham.org/)


Part 1 of 2

Dr. James Dobson once stated: “Half of all Americans are in the middle of a life crisis. The other half are just recovering or will be in one soon.”

Tim Clinton, President of the American Association of Christian Counselors, once stated: “Depression is the common cold of emotional disorders.”

Even pastors experience depression, like new guest Dr. Jack Graham, Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Today he shares his story.

To order your copy of Dr. Graham’s book, “Reignite: A Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith”, click here.

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Why does Dr. Graham call his book the “COVID Book”?

Why did he write this book? Who can benefit from reading it?

Were Moses, David, and the Apostle Paul depressed at times? Was David, the great Psalmist, experience depression, too?

Why do people think that pastors are immune to depression?

Is there a humiliation surrounding depression and Christians? Dr. Graham admits there was a time in his life, even as Pastor, he would not have responded with the “right” answer if a church member told him he/she was depressed.



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Title: Part 2 of 2 - Reignite: A Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Jack Graham
with Dr. Jack Graham (www.jackgraham.org/)

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Who first noticed Dr. Graham’s altered mindset, prompting him to evaluate his depression and seek help?

What triggered Dr. Graham’s depression? Was there one specific moment or was it gradual over time?

Why did Dr. Graham feel like a “dead man walking”?

Did Satan whisper lies in his ear? Dr. Graham says that his faith in God never faltered. He knew God was by his side. It was friends, though, that really helped him climb out of depression.

This is a beautiful thought: There has never been a sunset that wasn’t followed by a sunrise. What does this mean to Dr. Graham?

Does healing begin in the Word? Is memorizing and meditating on Scripture important for healing and growth?

Does God long to restore and reignite our lives?

Does the church need reignited members?

Closing thoughts: Christ is our hope. Be patient. Seek help from counselors and friends. Hope is not wishful thinking. Hope is the certainty that our future is in the hands of God’s.




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April 7, 2020


Title: Help Those Fighting Depression
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Dr. Joannie DeBrito
with Alive to Thrive (Learn.AliveToThrive.com)

During this pandemic, our communities need to be prepared for the potential consequences that reach far beyond the disease. Together we can help protect our family and friends by making sure they are coping effectively and offering encouragement.

Dr. Joannie DeBrito is the Director of Parenting and Youth with Focus on the Family. She is part of a team of Christian clinical experts who have a FREE book online “Alive to Thrive”, .

Questions/Issues Discussed:

How can Alive to Thrive help people who are suffering from depression?

Why is it important to reach out to family and friends (of ALL ages) during this time of forced isolation?

On the flip side… Is it important for those who are depressed or anxious to reach out for help?

What are some good phrases to say/ask? What are some not-so-good things to say/ask?

What are some practical ways we can help each other?

Why is staying off of social media and turning off the news a GOOD thing?

Why is reading, especially the Bible, a GOOD thing?

Click here  for more encouragement from Dr. DeBrito. Call 1.855.771.HELP for a FREE consultation with a counselor from Focus on the Family.



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April 29, 2011


Title: Help for the Helpless. Hope for the Hopeless
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Janet Pfeiffer
with Anger 9-1-1

Segment 1 of 3

The warning signs might clear - or they might be hidden under a guise of fake happiness and false energy. But inside - what is happening? Depression also effects hundreds, if not thousands, of our men and women in uniform. And too many of them are ending their lives without seeking the help they so desperately need. Janet Pfeiffer is the author of The Secret Side of Anger. She can be found at www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com.



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Title: Help for the Helpless. Hope for the Hopeless.
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Janet Pfeiffer
with Anger 9-1-1

Segment 2 of 3

Some causes and warning signs of Depression: How does Janet know what depression feels like? She’s been through it - and survived! In this second segment, Janet gives a quick recap of what nearly pushed her over the edge. Janet Pfeiffer is the author of The Secret Side of Anger. She can be found at www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com.



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Title: Help for the Helpless. Hope for the Hopeless.
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Janet Pfeiffer
with Anger 9-1-1

Segment 3 of 3

Over 34,000 die each year by suicide. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65. There are an estimated 8 to 25 attempts for every one suicide death. Is there help? Is there hope? To bring herself up out of the shadows of depression, Janet employed 8 Lifesaving Methods. If you or a loved one are suffering from depression, log on to www.pfeifferpowerseminars.com.



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December 18, 2007


Title: Depression-Free, Naturally
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Joan Mathews Larson
with Author

7 weeks to eliminating anxiety, despair, fatigue, and anger from your life. Joan Mathews Larson, PhD, author of the national bestseller Seven Weeks to Sobriety.



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October 12, 2006


Title: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM TERRELL OWENS
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Pastor Keith Manual
with Calvary Baptist Church www.calvaryno.org

Many of us have family members or know someone in our church who is struggling with helplessness and hopelessness. We can help them. But how? Pastor Keith Manual, from Calvary Baptist Church in New Orleans, explains what we can learn from the recent alleged suicide attempt of Terrell Owens.



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September 19, 2006


Title: THE NEW SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE: DEPRESSION
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Professor Dr. Warren Throckmorton
with Grove City College (www.gcc.edu)

Does depression cause drug use and risky sexual behavior? Or, does drug use and risky sexual behavior cause (lead to) depression?



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September 18, 2006


Title: WILL KNOWING JESUS PREVENT DEPRESSION?
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Pastor Mike Barres
with Calvary Assembly of God

Has depression ever overwhelmed you or someone you love? Join Pastor Mike as he answers the following questions about depression: Are there some Christians who are depressed, or does knowing Jesus prevent depression? Do Christians feel safe to be honest about their depression and other frustrations at church? Is Depression sickness or selfishness? Is it wrong for Christians to take medication for depression? Is there an "added anxiety" for Christians who wrestle with depression? What would be some Biblical answers for depression? Are depression and grief sometimes connected? What should our attitude be toward someone we know that is going through depression?



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Title: FREE HEALTH CARE IS A FATAL NOTION Segment 2 of 2
Topic: Depression
Discussed by David Hogberg
with National Center for Public Policy Research (www.NationalCenter.org)

The Pros and Cons of a National Health Care System. What would result from nationalizing health care in the U.S.? Less service and more death! Is that what you want for your children and grandchildren?



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December 1, 2005


Title: The New Sexually Transmitted Disease: Depression
Topic: Depression
Discussed by Professor Dr. Warren Throckmorton
with Grove City College (www.gcc.edu)

Does depression cause drug usage and risky sexual behavior or does drug usage and risky sexual behavior cause (lead to) depression?



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